Lucille's First Flight

November 15, 2012 (nine weeks old)

Our traveling girl had a major milestone this past weekend - her first flight!

Bag Man

On Friday afternoon we hopped on a quick flight to visit her Korb grandparents down in Jacksonville. It was a good first trip as it was only 45 minutes total.

I carried the precious cargo

Preoccupied with our new traveling companion, on boarding, we sat on the wrong side of the asile and so had to get up and move when the seat's owner showed up. What a rookie mistake!







My biggest concern about air travel was the change in air pressure hurting her ears so I made sure to feed her during takeoff and descent as it is supposed to help with ear pressure. It must have worked as there was not even a peep from the wee one.

While a happy camper on the plane, once we landed she turned cranky quick. This was due to the fact that we landed around the time she normally goes to sleep at home. Our usual soothing techniques (pacifier, rattle, finger) did not work for long and so we had to escalate to the emergency ones like my iphone farm animal app. We finally subdued her with some live coverage of football/NASCAR on Pearce's phone - Georgia girl she is.

There wasn't too much bonding to be had that night as our main goal was to get Lucille to bed as quickly as possible. In doing so, we quickly realized all the things that we would need for our next trip. Specifically items that helped create a soothing (and practical) sleep environment, like a a night light and noise machine.

Pearce and I made due by strategically turning on lights in various adjoining rooms that would allow me to see her when I got up to nurse, but not be too bright so as not to wake her. For white noise, Pearce used an app on his phone that replicated the air filter we use in our house.

For our next trip we plan on bringing her ITouch and docking station that changes colors. This should take care of both of these problems. In the meantime I have been retraining her to enjoy the sound of pouring rain so that way it is a pleasant sleeping experience for Pearce and me too.

Lucille slept awesome in the pack and play loaned out by Susan's good friend and grandmother extraordinaire Ellen. She woke up refreshed and ready to play with the grandparents. I think they were amazed about how much she has changed since they last saw her on her birthday.

Enjoying the nice weather

Playing with Mr. Peacock

 She had a really good time in her bouncer (also loaned by Ellen). Not sure if it was because of all the attention she got or the fact that it vibrates.

After we got some good playtime and a quick walk through the neighborhood (and a nap for Lu), we headed to the Beach Club to enjoy the wonderful weather. Lucille snoozed through the whole meal. She continued snoozing as her grandmother took her on a shopping spree to some local stores and of course Target!

Lunch at the Club

Towards the end of the day Susan and Andy humored me and we headed back to the beach to take a walk and so Lucille could "see" the ocean. It was not exactly how I imagined it in my head. The weather had turned cloudy, windy, and cold. While Lucille did get to see it, it was too cold to dip her toes in it.

I love it that she is looking at the camera!

Snuggle Bug

That evening we put Lucille down to sleep so the adults could have some fun. Andy brought out his personal Craps "table" and taught me the rules. It was great fun, and while I don't understand all the rules (or at least the math involved) I look forward to playing during our next Vegas visit.

Sadly we had to head home on Sunday, but our trip down in JAX was fun while it lasted!